Dubai royals dominate endurance race

Dubai's crown prince near one of the pyramids

The crown prince of Dubai has won a 100km (62 mile) endurance horse race around Egypt's pyramids

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum cantered home less than a length ahead of his elder son, Sheikh Rashid after completing the hilly course overlooking the pyramids of Giza, Dahshour and Sakkara.

But Sheikh Rashid was disqualified after the race when vets found his horse had gone lame - riders were judged on the condition of their horses at the finish as well as their finishing position.

The crown prince's other son, Sheikh Hamdan, crossed the finish line third but was given second place after the disqualification.

The prince attributed his family's success to the greater experience of their horses and their riders.

Good speed

Wearing a helmet in the red, white, green and black colours of the Emirates' flag, the crown prince finished the course with a riding time of 5hr 34min.

Forty-four horses withdrew from the race

Official timekeeper Thomas Cathomen said it was "a good speed" for a day when the temperature was 34C.

After dismounting, the crown prince and his sons turned east and knelt on white sheets to offer Muslim prayers.

The results were officially announced after the disqualification of Sheikh Rashid.

With second place going to Sheikh Hamdan, the fourth rider to cross the finishing line - Abdullah Bilhab, a Dubai businessman who rides for Al Maktoum stables - was promoted to third.

Another member of Gulf royalty, Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the son of Emirates head of state Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, came in sixth.

Of the 75 horses which started the race, 44 withdrew under the harsh conditions of the desert dunes near the pyramids of Sakkara, 30km (18 miles) southwest of Cairo.

Hard competition

"It's very hard for the horses and very hard for the riders because of the heat," said competitor Jimmy Berish, who withdrew 66km (41 miles) into the race.

Race rules only allow the horses to be run at a fast trot or a slow canter and they are checked by vets and given water at the end of each of the race's four stages.

All the horses in the race were Arabian, a breed that stands shorter than European and American horses, but is known for its stamina.